Frozen videos, dropped calls, pages that spin forever: slow Wi-Fi is one of the most common calls at BRAVUM Tech. The good news is that the cause is often simple. Here is how to find it, from simplest to most technical.
Start by measuring
Run a speed test on your phone or computer next to the router, then in the room where the connection is poor. If speed is good near the router and bad elsewhere, the problem is Wi-Fi coverage. If it is bad everywhere, even up close, look at the modem, your plan or an outage at your provider.
1. The router is badly placed
Wi-Fi struggles through thick walls, concrete, metal, mirrors and water (an aquarium, for example). A router hidden in a closet, behind the TV or in the basement covers the home poorly. Put it in the middle of the home, up high and in the open.
2. The wrong frequency band
Most routers broadcast on 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz (and 6 GHz for Wi-Fi 6E and 7). 2.4 GHz reaches further but is slower and more crowded; 5 GHz is faster but goes through walls less well. Near the router, prefer 5 GHz; far away, 2.4 GHz can be more stable.
3. Interference and neighbours
In apartments, dozens of networks share the same channels. Let the router pick its channel automatically, or change it in its settings. Also keep the router away from microwaves, cordless phones and Bluetooth speakers.
4. An old router that’s never updated
A router several generations old can cap the speed of the whole network, and firmware that is never updated leaves security holes open. Check for updates in the router’s app or interface; if the model no longer gets them, it’s time to replace it.
5. Too many devices at once
4K TVs, game consoles, cloud backups, cameras: everything shares the same connection. If things slow down in the evening, see which devices are downloading. The priority settings (QoS) on some routers help protect video calls.
6. A home too big for one router
In a multi-storey house or a large home, one router is often not enough. A cheap range extender spreads the signal but often halves the speed. A mesh system (several units working together) or a cable-connected access point gives much more even coverage.
7. The device itself
If only one device is slow, the cause may be on its side: an old Wi-Fi card, outdated drivers, an aggressive power-saving mode. Compare with another device in the same spot.
8. The modem or the provider
Unplug the modem and router for thirty seconds, then plug the modem back in first. If the speed measured next to the router, ideally over a cable, is still far below your plan, call your provider: the outage or limit is on their side.
Secure your network while you’re at it
- Use WPA2 or, better, WPA3 encryption.
- Change the Wi-Fi password and the router admin password if they are still the defaults.
- Create a guest network for visitors and smart devices.
Rather have us handle it? BRAVUM Tech sets up Wi-Fi, routers, mesh systems and printers, at home in Greater Montréal or remotely.
Frequently asked questions
Range extender or mesh system: which one?
To cover one more room, an extender may be enough. For a multi-storey house or a large home, a mesh system gives more even coverage without switching networks from room to room.
Why is Wi-Fi fast near the router and slow elsewhere?
The signal weakens with distance and obstacles (walls, floors, metal, water). Moving the router, using the right band or adding a unit usually fixes it.
Should I replace the router my provider gave me?
Not necessarily. If it’s recent and well placed, it’s often enough. A personal router or mesh system helps in a large home or when the provided model is old.
Is Wi-Fi 6 worth it?
It handles the many devices of a modern home better. The benefit is real if your recent devices support it and your plan is fast.
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